2016 March - Pro Football Rumors

Bears To Sign Ted Larsen

March 31st, 2016 at 12:27pm CST by Zachary Links

12:27pm: Larsen’s one-year deal with Chicago can max out at $2.4MM with playing-time bonuses, tweets Caplan.

THURSDAY, 11:51am: The Bears have officially agreed to terms with Larsen on a one-year deal, the team announced today (via Twitter).

WEDNESDAY, 6:52pm: The Bears are expected to sign interior lineman Ted Larsen, according to Adam Caplan of ESPN.com (on Twitter).

Larsen, 28, came into the league as a sixth-round pick of the Patriots in 2010. He did see the field with New England, but he hooked on with the Buccaneers in that season and went on to see significant playing time over the following four seasons. In 2014, he joined the Cardinals where he started in all 26 of his appearances between ’14 and ’15.

Before signing with Chicago, Larsen drew interest from teams around the league. Both the 49ers and Seahawks met with Larsen and, more recently, he flew to Atlanta for a powwow with the Falcons. While that visit with Atlanta was said to have gone well, Larsen did not sign that day.

The advanced metrics at Pro Football Focus (subscription required) were not fond of Larsen’s work last season. Out of 81 qualified guards, Larsen was ranked No. 72 in the NFL for his work last season. PFF’s numbers claim that Larsen did a bad job of run blocking (372 snaps) and an even worse job of pass blocking (478 snaps).

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

NFC North Notes: Lions, Carter, Vikings, Bears

March 31st, 2016 at 10:23am CST by Luke Adams

As we wait for Chicago’s anticipated agreement with offensive lineman Ted Larsen to become official, here are several Thursday morning updates from across the NFC North:

After visiting the Jets on Wednesday, linebacker Bruce Carter heads to Detroit for a visit with the Lions, according to Connor Hughes of USA Today. The veteran free agent has displayed some versatility, playing both inside and outside linebacker in 4-3 schemes, which could appeal to the Lions.
Rick Spielman is among the observers in attendance at TCU’s pro day, and as Matt Vensel of the Star Tribune tweets, it’s probably not a coincidence that the Vikings general manager keeps showing up at pro days for top wide receiver prospects. Per Ben Goessling of ESPN.com (via Twitter), Minnesota will bring in TCU’s Josh Doctson and Ole Miss wideout Laquon Treadwell for a closer look next week.
Jeff Dickerson of ESPN.com suggests that the Bears ought to find a way to add some depth at quarterback behind Jay Cutler, pointing to the draft as one way the team could land a QB. Dickerson also wonders if ex-Bear Josh McCown might be a fit in Chicago if he’s released by the Browns.
According to Lions GM Bob Quinn, Marvin Jones‘ impressive route-running and his “very good” hands were among the traits that most appealed to the team. Tim Twentyman of DetroitLions.com has the details and the quotes from Quinn, who explained why the Lions felt comfortable investing heavily in the free agent receiver this offseason.

East Rumors: Jets, Wilkerson, Cowboys, Giants

March 31st, 2016 at 8:52am CST by Luke Adams

Although general manager Mike Maccagnan says that the Jets aren’t “actively pursuing” a trade involving Muhammad Wilkerson, a source tells Brian Costello of the New York Post that the team continues to quietly shop the defensive lineman, as we heard last week. There’s skepticism around the NFL that Gang Green will find a trade partner willing to meet the club’s asking price, but Costello suggests that Maccagnan has four weeks to resolve the situation, since trading Wilkerson becomes much trickier after the draft.

As Rich Cimini of ESPN.com outlines, trading Wilkerson and his $15.7MM would help the Jets solve their current cap crunch. However, Cimini points out that moving Wilkerson would mean letting go of the only player out of the team’s three highest-paid veterans who is still in his prime. Darrelle Revis and D’Brickashaw Ferguson round out the Jets’ top three cap numbers, and both players are arguably on the decline.

As we wait to see how Maccagnan moves forward in New York, let’s round up a few more items from out of the NFL’s East divisions…

While it remains to be seen whether or not they’ll draft a quarterback this year, the Cowboys are interested in the possibility of adding a developmental signal-caller to their depth chart. One prospect who might fit that bill is Penn State’s Christian Hackenberg, and Dallas held a private workout for him on Wednesday, per Mike Garafolo of FOX Sports (Twitter link). Hackenberg will also work out for the Eagles next week, tweets Adam Caplan of ESPN.com.
The Giants left the door open for Tom Coughlin to assume a role within the organization after he stepped down as the team’s head coach, but it doesn’t sound like that will be happening. As Ryan Lazo of the New York Post details, Coughlin said in an appearance at Mike Francesa’s and Chris Russo’s reunion show that he doesn’t expect to be with the Giants “in any capacity this season.”
Jasper Brinkley‘s one-year deal with the Giants is worth $1.8MM, and all but $100K of that money is guaranteed, according to Jordan Raanan of NJ.com (Twitter link).
The Patriots added another tight end to their roster on Wednesday when they agreed to terms with ex-Jaguar Clay Harbor. Mike Reiss of ESPN.com takes a closer look at exactly what the Pats are getting in Harbor.

Chargers Rumors: Stadium, Draft, Buckner

March 30th, 2016 at 10:00pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers’ plan for a new stadium in San Diego calls for the team (and the NFL) to pay $650MM while a 4% hike in the local hotel tax would provide an additional $350MM, Kevin Acee of U-T San Diego writes. In total, that would add up to the $1 billion needed to construct a new stadium. All in all, the plan is asking less of the city than most stadium proposals do, but it remains to be seen whether San Diego will greenlight the pitch.

Here’s more on the Chargers’ stadium situation as well as draft news:

It’s not immediately clear what percentage of the electorate would be required for passage, Dan McSwain and Lori Weisberg of U-T San Diego write. Recently, a California appellate court ruled that a motion to tax marijuana dispensaries needed only a simple majority (50% plus one vote) to pass, but the old rules require two-thirds of a vote. “We’re operating as if it’s two-thirds,” Fred Maas, a development consultant to the Chargers, said Tuesday.
The Chargers released a comprehensive FAQ regarding the Citizens’ Initiative. Within the FAQ, the Chargers acknowledge that there will still be logistical hurdles to deal with if the initiative passes.
Oregon defensive lineman DeForest Buckner visited the Chargers on Wednesday, per Rand Getlin of NFL Network (on Twitter). Buckner is regarded as one of the top prospects in the draft and could be in the mix for San Diego at No. 3.
The Chargers worked out former Nevada quarterback Cody Fajardo, Michael Gehlken of U-T San Diego tweets. Fajardo spent training camp with Oakland in 2015 as a UDFA.
UCLA product Myles Jack expects to play safety if he’s drafted by the Chargers, as Gehlken writes. “They feel like I can fill that spot Eric Weddle was at,” Jack said.

NFC Draft Rumors: Eagles, Lynch, Washington

March 30th, 2016 at 9:31pm CST by Zachary Links

The Eagles will work out Memphis quarterback Paxton Lynch and it’s not just for kicks, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Despite having Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel under contract, Rapoport says they’re serious about Lynch and they’re taking owner Jeffrey Lurie on each trip.

While we wait to see if the Eagles’ QB situation could get even weirder, here’s a look at some more draft news from the NFC:

Boston College linebacker Steven Daniels worked out for the Eagles on Wednesday, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (for WalterFootball.com). Daniels has also auditioned for New Orleans.
Coach Jay Gruden says he wants Washington to draft a developmental quarterback, as Tarik El-Bashir of CSNMidAtlantic.com writes. “You have your starter. You got your quality backup. And you’ve got to have [another] one in the [quarterback meeting] room—whether it’s your third on the active roster or a practice squad guy—that you can develop,” Gruden said last week. Of course, Kirk Cousins will be the team’s starter with Colt McCoy as his primary understudy. However, Gruden would like to add a young QB who can be groomed without an immediate timeline.
The Buccaneers worked out UTSA tight end David Morgan on Tuesday, according to Jenna Laine of Sports Talk 1040 (on Twitter). Morgan also worked out for Philadelphia recently.
The Falcons were at Stanford on Wednesday to work out tight end Austin Hooper and linebacker Blake Martinez, according to Tony Pauline for Walter Football. On Tuesday, Atlanta coaches were at Washington State to scope out Washington State offensive lineman Joseph Dahl, receiver Dominique Williams, and defensive lineman Destiny Vaeao.

Draft Rumors: Cravens, Lions, Dolphins, Raiders

March 30th, 2016 at 8:58pm CST by Zachary Links

USC safety/linebacker Su’a Cravens says he has six visits lined up and another eight potentially on the horizon as well, Mike Florio of PFT writes. In addition to the previously reported teams with interest, Cravens says he will visit the the Lions, Raiders, and Dolphins.

Here are the latest draft rumors:

Maryland outside linebacker Yannick Ngakoue said he has visits scheduled with the Jaguars, Eagles, Titans, and Jets, according to Daniel Gallen of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter). Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net (on Twitter) adds that the Bills and Browns both met with him today.
Boise State lineman Rees Odhiambo will meet with the 49ers, Saints, and Buccaneers in the next couple of weeks, agent Ron Slavin tells Jay Tust of KTVB (on Twitter).
Ohio State safety Vonn Bell has (or has had) meetings, workouts and/or visits with the Jets, Patriots, Panthers, and Giants, Rand Getlin of Yahoo Sports tweets.
South Carolina offensive lineman Brandon Shell says he has individual workouts coming up with the Panthers, Ravens, and 49ers, David Caraviello of the Post And Courier tweets.
Alabama linebacker Reggie Ragland told SiriusXM NFL Radio (on Twitter) that he has probably heard the most from the Bears, Falcons, Saints, and Dolphins. He also confirmed personal workouts with the Bears, Colts, Ravens, Jaguars, Vikings, Rams, and the Bills.
Pitt wide receiver Tyler Boyd confirmed that he has had workouts with the Cowboys, Patriots, Chargers, and Rams (Twitter link via SiriusXM). He’ll also have formal visits with the Panthers and Cowboys next week.
Cincinnati wide receiver Chris Moore has visits/workouts scheduled with the Buccaneers, Panthers, Texans, Eagles, and Bengals, Jenna Laine of Sports Talk 1040 tweets.
Defensive line coaches from the Eagles, Titans, Steelers, and Bengals put Javon Hargrave through a workout which lasted almost 45 minutes, according to Tony Pauline for Walter Football.
The Cardinals are bringing in linebacker Victor Ochi for an official visit, Pauline writes.

Patriots Work Out Jeff Cumberland, Mike Williams

March 30th, 2016 at 7:12pm CST by Zachary Links

On Wednesday, the Patriots worked out tight end Jeff Cumberland and wide receiver Mike Williams, according to Ben Volin of The Boston Globe (Twitter links). Williams, a Syracuse product, is not to be confused with the former Lions first-round pick who shares his name.

Cumberland, 29 in May, was released by the Jets prior to the start of free agency in an effort to free up cap space. As a vested veteran, Cumberland immediately became a free agent upon his release and did not have to go through waivers. The tight end caught a total of 78 passes for the Jets from 2012 to 2014, starting 38 games for the team during that stretch and racking up 10 touchdowns. However, he saw his number called a whole lot less in 2015, as Ryan Fitzpatrick didn’t use his tight ends much. Cumberland had just five receptions on 14 targets in 2015.

Williams, a Buffalo native, signed with the Bills prior to the 2014 season and was expected to bolster the team’s passing game after the departure of Steve Johnson. Instead, he compiled just 142 yards and one touchdowns on eight receptions in 2014. Williams was reportedly unhappy in Buffalo and, in December of that year, the Bills decided to cut ties with him. Aside from a workout with the Giants in October of 2015, we haven’t heard much about the former fourth-round pick in recent months.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Contract Details: Hill, Anger, Washington, Wheeler

March 30th, 2016 at 6:07pm CST by Luke Adams

Let’s round up several of the latest details on contracts that have been agreed upon or signed within the last week or two….

Josh Hill, TE (Saints): Matched Bears’ offer sheet. Three years, $7.051MM. $2.5MM signing bonus. No-trade clause for 2016 and 2017. $100K annual Pro Bowl incentive. $200K in per-game roster bonuses for 2017 and 2018. $750K escalator for 2018 for receptions and yards (link via Nick Underhill of The Advocate).
Bryan Anger, P (Buccaneers): One year, $1.75MM. $750K roster bonus (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of USA Today).
Jeremy Kerley, WR (Lions): One-year, $760K base salary. $50K signing bonus. $40K workout bonus. $300K possible through incentives (Twitter link via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press).
Darrin Walls, CB (Lions): One-year, minimum salary benefit. $80K signing bonus guaranteed. Rest of deal non-guaranteed (Twitter link via Birkett).
Nate Washington, WR (Patriots): One year, minimum salary benefit. $478K split salary. $60K signing bonus. $20K workout bonus (Twitter link via Ben Volin of the Boston Globe).
Philip Wheeler, LB (Falcons): One year, minimum salary benefit (Twitter link via Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com).

Percy Harvin To Play In 2016

March 30th, 2016 at 4:08pm CST by Zachary Links

Percy Harvin will “definitely” play in 2016, a source with knowledge of the situation tells Mike Florio of PFT. The wide receiver has been contemplating retirement this offseason.

Harvin joined the Bills on a one-year, $6MM deal in March, but was unable to stay healthy last year. Battling through a persistent hip injury, the 27-year-old (28 in May) only appeared in five games, recording 19 catches for 218 yards and a touchdown. Harvin also fielded five kick returns.

The wide receiver is now a free agent and it’s not a slam dunk that he’ll return to Buffalo, despite his relationship with coach Rex Ryan. Harvin knows this is his last opportunity to have a major impact in the NFL, the source tells PFT, and that could mean that Harvin is looking to hook on with a certified contender. While the Bills could be a factor in 2016, Harvin could look to play with an offense and a quarterback that better suits his skill set.

Harvin was traded from the Seahawks to the Jets in the most surprising in-season trade of 2014. However, Harvin failed to have a huge impact in New York thanks to his hip and knee injuries, totaling 29 receptions for 350 yards and a touchdown in his eight games with the Jets. Harvin also averaged just 24.8 yards per kick return, with no TDs. Roughly one year ago today, Harvin turned down a lucrative offer from the 49ers to join up with Buffalo.

Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.

Minor NFL Transactions: 3/30/16

March 30th, 2016 at 3:56pm CST by Luke Adams

Here are the latest minor signings, cuts, and other transactions from around the NFL:

The Bills have officially re-signed offensive tackle Jordan Mills, the club confirmed in a press release. Mills had been a restricted free agent, having received a low-end $1.671MM tender from Buffalo — he has now formally signed that tender.
The Chargers are signing former UNC quarterback Bryn Renner after working him out along with some other signal-callers today, a source tells Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (Twitter link). Renner has spent time with Denver, Baltimore, and Tennessee, though his stints with those clubs came primarily during training camp or as a practice-squad player.
The Colts announced today in a press release that they’ve signed free agent tight end Mike McFarland and waived offensive tackle Pierce Burton. McFarland joined the Texans as an undrafted free agent in 2015, but was placed on injured reserve before the end of the 2015 preseason.
Mike Chappell of Fox59/CBS4 tweets that the Colts have also waived cornerback Josh Mitchell, who spent the 2015 season on the injured reserve list. Mitchell signed with Indianapolis as an undrafted free agent out of Nebraska last May, but he landed on IR later that month.